Ralph Lauren quietly shuttered its two-year-old 20,000-square-foot store last week. Other brands are expected to close boutiques in a city that has lost its luster for cash-rich mainland Chinese tourists.

In partnership with Google, Klout, Microsoft and Singly, the publisher will host a two-day technology-driven event during New York Fashion Week.

HEARST TO “HACK THE RUNWAY”: Hearst Magazines, in partnership with Google, Klout, Microsoft and Singly, will host a two-day technology-driven event during New York Fashion Week. From Feb. 9 to Feb. 10, developers will use programming instructions from Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan and Marie Claire (as well as the above partners) to create apps and programs with a fashion lean. “It’s really a very technology and entrepreneurial driven effort that represents the direction Hearst is headed in terms of inventing new digital products — and also doing that in concert with the tech community,” Hearst Corporation chief technology officer Phil Wiser told WWD. The most innovative will be awarded $10,000 — as well as the opportunity for Hearst mentorship and additional financing. Anyone involved will be encouraged to tweet using the hashtag #HearstFashionHack leading up to and once the event kicks off on Feb. 9 at 9 am. Contestants will have exactly 24 hours (coding starts a 1 pm) to develop their apps.

WWD's Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide is brought to you by @styleontherise and is complete with the perfect presents for everyone on your list. Click the link in our bio to start shopping NOW. #WWDHoliday #Sponsored

@rebeccaminkoff is bringing self-checkout to high fashion: The brand has partnered with @queuehop to bring its customers self-checkout options, beginning this holiday season at its SoHo store. (📷: @aurorarosephoto)